The provided source material details a specific Tarot deck, the Azathoth Tarot, and its accompanying guidebook, "The Book of Azathoth." This deck is described as a creative homage to the works of American author H.P. Lovecraft, specifically drawing upon the entities and themes found within the Cthulhu pantheon. The deck consists of 78 cards, adhering to the traditional structure of Tarot, but reimagined through the lens of Lovecraft's dark, cosmic universe. The visual design of the cards is distinct, utilizing a two-color scheme of black and various shades of goldish-yellowish-brownish to create shading effects. Each card features the standard Tarot symbols, including the card name and Hebrew letter, positioned in the corners.
"The Book of Azathoth" serves as the essential companion to this deck. It is not merely a collection of card meanings but rather a comprehensive outline of the traditional esoteric structures that underpin Tarot interpretation. The text explicitly references Qabalistic, Astrological, Planetary, and Elemental schemata. It applies these traditional frameworks to the unique context of the Azathoth Tarot, providing a "skeleton" that gives structure and sustenance to the deck's specific interpretation. The book is enhanced with explanatory figures and tables, images of each card, and additional artwork depicting the major Denizens of Lovecraft's Pantheon.
The publication details indicate a self-published work by the artist, Nemo, under the imprint Nemo's Locker. The first edition, released in 2020, is a hardcover volume of 216 pages, bound in handsome brown cloth with a gold embossed cover design. It was a limited edition of 2000 copies and is currently reported as out of print and out of stock.
The Azathoth Tarot Deck: Design and Concept
The Azathoth Tarot is a 78-card deck that follows the traditional Tarot structure. The design philosophy is deeply rooted in the literary universe of H.P. Lovecraft. The deck is intended to evoke the atmosphere of Lovecraft's stories, as if it were a tool used by one of his characters.
Visual Aesthetics
The cards are printed in a limited color palette, utilizing only black and a spectrum of goldish-yellowish-brownish shades. This monochromatic approach creates a specific visual texture and mood, aligning with the "dark, cold universe" described in the source material. The card names and corresponding Hebrew letters are clearly legible in the corners, ensuring that the traditional Tarot symbols remain accessible despite the unique thematic overlay.
Thematic Foundation
The core concept of the deck is an homage to Lovecraft. The figures depicted are not the traditional Tarot archetypes but rather the "major Denizens inhabiting Lovecraft's Pantheon." This includes the deity Azathoth, who is identified as a figure from the Cthulhu pantheon. The deck thus functions as a bridge between established esoteric traditions and the specific mythology created by Lovecraft.
The Book of Azathoth: A Structural Guide
"The Book of Azathoth" is the companion guidebook that unlocks the meaning of the deck. It is described as providing the "framework, or skeleton" for interpretation. This suggests that the book does not simply offer memorized keywords for each card but instead teaches the underlying system that connects the Lovecraftian imagery to traditional Tarot wisdom.
Esoteric Frameworks
The text outlines several traditional schemata: * Qabalistic: The book connects the cards to the Qabalah, a central system of thought in Western esotericism. * Astrological: It details the astrological correspondences associated with the cards. * Planetary: Planetary influences and their relation to the Tarot are explained. * Elemental: The elemental attributions (Earth, Air, Fire, Water) are applied to the deck's structure.
By mapping these traditional systems onto the Azathoth Tarot, the guidebook allows readers to apply a deep and historical method of interpretation to the non-traditional imagery.
Content and Features
The book is a substantial 216-page hardcover volume. Its content is enhanced by: * Explanatory Figures and Tables: These visual aids help clarify the complex relationships between the esoteric systems and the cards. * Card Images: The book contains images of each card from the deck. * Artwork of Denizens: It includes additional art depicting the major entities from Lovecraft's pantheon, further immersing the user in the thematic world.
Publication and Availability
The "Book of Azathoth" is a self-published work by the artist, Nemo. The first edition was released in 2020 under the imprint Nemo's Locker.
Physical Characteristics
- Format: Hardcover
- Pages: 216
- Cover: Brown cloth with gold embossed design
- Edition: Limited run of 2000 copies
Current Status
According to the source data, the first edition of the book is currently out of print and out of stock. This indicates that it was a limited release and may not be readily available through standard retail channels.
Conclusion
The Azathoth Tarot, supported by "The Book of Azathoth," represents a specialized niche within the broader world of Tarot. It successfully merges the traditional, structured systems of Qabalah, Astrology, and Elemental theory with the distinct and unsettling mythology of H.P. Lovecraft. The deck and book offer a unique tool for those interested in both esoteric Tarot practice and the literary universe of cosmic horror. The guidebook's emphasis on providing a structural framework rather than simple card meanings suggests a focus on deep, systemic understanding, allowing users to derive interpretations that are both informed by tradition and colored by the unique atmosphere of the Azathoth pantheon.